You’ve been planning your Italy trip all wrong! Most tourists flock to Rome, Venice, and Florence, missing the country’s diverse regional treasures. These are the 10 secret Italian places for art, food, and coastlines that will transform your trip—most travelers miss #5.
Matera: The Ancient Cave City of Basilicata Secret Italian Places for Art, Food and Coastlines
A UNESCO World Heritage site where people have lived in cave dwellings for thousands of years.
- Explore the Sassi di Matera, the ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone
- Visit the rock-hewn churches with their fascinating frescoes
- Stay in a restored cave hotel for a truly unique experience
- Sample the local cuisine, featuring peperoni crusco and pane di Matera
Orvieto: The Hilltop Town with a Duomo and Underground Tunnels Secret Italian Places for Art, Food and Coastlines
A stunning volcanic rock town famous for its cathedral and intricate network of caves.
- Marvel at the Duomo di Orvieto, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture
- Explore the underground tunnels and caves that once served as escape routes and quarries
- Visit the Pozzo di San Patrizio, the famous double-helix well
- Taste the local Orvieto Classico wine and the region’s famous truffles
Procida: The Colorful Island Near Naples Secret Italian Places for Art, Food and Coastlines
A pastel-hued island that feels frozen in time, far from the crowds of Capri and Ischia.
- Wander the charming streets of Marina Corricella, a fishing village straight out of a painting
- Visit the Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo, a stunning cliff-top abbey
- Relax on the island’s beaches, including the unique Chiaiolella
- Sample the local limoncello and the freshest seafood from the Tyrrhenian Sea
Civita di Bagnoregio: The Dying Town Secret Italian Places for Art, Food and Coastlines
A breathtaking medieval town accessible only by a footbridge, slowly eroding away.
- Walk the long footbridge to reach this isolated town perched on a tufa ridge
- Explore the medieval streets and the charming central square
- Visit the Church of San Donato, which offers panoramic views of the valley
- Learn about the town’s history and the efforts to preserve it from erosion
Tropea: The Coastal Gem of Calabria Secret Italian Places for Art, Food and Coastlines
A stunning seaside town perched on a cliff with crystal-clear waters and historic charm.
- Visit the Santa Maria dell’Isola, the iconic monastery on the rock overlooking the beach
- Relax on the beautiful beaches with their white sand and turquoise water
- Explore the historic center with its noble palaces and charming churches
- Sample the famous red onions of Tropea and the local ’nduja sausage
Bologna: The Food Lover’s Paradise Secret Italian Places for Art, Food and Coastlines
Italy’s culinary capital where you can eat your way through incredible regional cuisine.
- Visit the Mercato di Mezzo and the Mercato delle Erbe for incredible food markets
- Try the legendary tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, and mortadella
- Explore the historic university, the oldest in the Western world
- Visit the Two Towers (Due Torri), the iconic symbol of the city
San Gimignano: The Town of Fine Towers Secret Italian Places for Art, Food and Coastlines
A medieval hilltown famous for its preserved tower houses and Vernaccia wine.
- Walk the historic center and admire the remaining medieval towers
- Visit the Collegiata, a stunning church with beautiful frescoes
- Explore the Museum of Sacred Art and the Archaeological Museum
- Sample the local Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine and the famous saffron
Trieste: The Coffee-Loving Port City Secret Italian Places for Art, Food and Coastlines
A unique blend of Italian, Slovenian, and Austro-Hungarian cultures on the Adriatic.
- Visit the historic coffee houses that have been serving intellectuals for centuries
- Explore the Castello di San Giusto, the hilltop castle with panoramic views
- Walk along the waterfront and see the historic port and the Piazza Unità d’Italia
- Try the local Bora wind and the famous caffè triestino
The Dolomites: Alta Badia and the Sella Ronda Secret Italian Places for Art, Food and Coastlines
A UNESCO World Heritage site offering breathtaking mountain scenery and outdoor adventures.
- Drive or take the bus through some of the most stunning mountain passes in Europe
- Go hiking or skiing on the famous Sella Ronda circuit
- Visit the charming villages of Corvara, Colfosco, and La Villa
- Sample the local speck apples and the region’s famous cheeses
Puglia: The Heel of Italy’s Trulli and Coastline Secret Italian Places for Art, Food and Coastlines
A region of unique trulli houses, olive groves, and stunning Adriatic coastline.
- Visit the Trulli of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Explore the historic town of Lecce, known as the ‘Florence of the South’
- Relax on the stunning beaches of the Salento peninsula
- Sample the local olive oil, wine, and the famous orecchiette pasta
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